Chapter 51

Three large refugee camps were constructed in a hurry to temporarily house the residents of Seronia’s capital city. Each camp had a capacity of around 20,000 individuals, so the total number of total city residents that remained after the Dragon God's attack was approximately ~60,000.

“Yo. Have you seen Chris lately?”

Within one of these camps were the students of the Seronian Royal Academy.

“Have I seen Chris? Geez. More like, who hasn’t? It's getting to the point where I’m starting to see why that guy called him delusional.”

Chris, “the Hero”, has been going around trying to offer help or assistance to people. Nonstop, for the whole week.

“―He's really gone off-the-wall this time. Doesn’t he get tired at all?”

“But, you can see why he’s like this at the moment, right?”

“Because he’s running away from reality?”

“Hey now...”

“Ay, I’m just sayin' how it is.”

No one could force him to rest, as even the Princess has been isolating herself from everyone else for the entire week. Not only that, but First Prince Dexter has also gone missing ever since the attack.

In the first place, people were too busy recovering―both mentally and physically―from the great disaster that had just struck them, so no one could be bothered to try and stop Chris. He wasn’t troubling anyone anyway, just helping out. Some, such as Ashley, were concerned about him, however.

“The Hero of Justice’s mental health has taken a beating from that encounter. I’m surprised he even has the energy to help out. Hell, I’m pooped just by sleeping on grass without a proper bed.”

“Speaking of... Who the hell was that guy? I saw that he seemed to know Chris?”

“Oh, right... You know how we’re actually from another world?”

“Ah, is he also...?”

“Yeah. That guy, Jae, was an old classmate, but he disappeared on the second day of our arrival in this world. It was definitely him, but... I don’t know why he looked so much older.”

“Huh...”

“Apparently he’s with the Demons, but we’re not in a war with them anyway, so I’m pretty sure it’s unrelated, but that might be related to why he’s older now.”

“Oh, maybe. I don’t know anything about Demons, so...”

“Mm. It’s annoying how these Empire guys don’t listen to us, too.”

“You got that right. They left us in these camps for a week now. Though they give us bread and water, they haven’t done anything more to help us. And then, they refuse to believe that the monster was actually a person.”

“Haa, right... I know it’s an incredibly unbelievable claim, but they could at least look into it...”

“Our graduation was supposed to be today too, but all my hard work and effort has been wasted ‘cause of this trash.”

“All we can do is wait for something good to happen, I guess... Wait, no, we’re adults now, aren’t we? Doesn’t that mean we can choose our own ways of life...?”

“Huh? W-Well, maybe? I guess?”

“Ah... Screw this then, I’m gonna become an adventurer!”

“What? Wo-woah, wait a second!”

―Like this, everyone was discovering their future paths. This also went for the Hero, Chris, and the Princess, Eleanor, as they, too, would have to lead a life in this world.

A month after Jae's transformation, and his condition has yet to improve.

One night, however, he was summoned to a black, void-like space, where are a familiar haze took the shape of a person and spoke.

《Hello again. You're not looking too good, huh?》

"...What is it?"

Although he felt completely normal while in this place―a pleasant break from his painful reality―Jae simply couldn't think of Reius' appearance as a good thing.

《Why so cold? It's thanks to me that you acquired that power, remember?》

"Yeah. But that's also why I've been crippled for weeks."

《Was that not your fault for purposefully attempting to imitate such a being?》

"..."

《Bear in mind that you can't blame anyone but yourself for being in that state. Even if you just transformed into that Dragon's polymorphed form, then the strain would be a little lighter.》

......Was that even possible?

《Well, don't worry about it. I'm here to help you. Always. Right?》

"I'm not so sure about that..."

《Oh, come now. You know what, I’ll save you from the strain this time since you’ve already been in agony for a while, but if you ever try and imitate a Dragon again, you’ll be out of commission for a hell of a long time, okay?》

“...Wait, really?”

《Of course. After all, you’re my apostle. But I only have enough power to do it this once.》

“O-Oh... I’ll try not to.”

《Good. Now, I’ve got some time, so why not ask some questions?》

Though he was concerned about what Reius' goal might have been, Jae was nonetheless thankful for the opportunity, as it served to distract him from the pain of ‘Heavy Strain’. Though, since that was going to be fixed, so it was something to welcome either way.

"Then, what would have happened if I imitated you?"

《Impossible.》

An instant reply.

"What?"

《It would have failed. I am, technically, a God, after all, so the System wouldn't have allowed it. No matter how harsh the strain following it would be, or what the price is, the appearance of a God can never be seen in the mortal plane. Well, there’s also the fact that this isn’t my real body, too, so it wouldn’t have worked anyway.》

"I see... What do you mean by 'technically' you are a God? No, wait, you're involved with the System, aren't you?"

《Now, now. One thing at a time. Er, about the God thing, I was never originally a God until... Didn't I tell you?》

"...No? Wait, did you?"

《Anyway, that's how it is.》

"Wh--No, what? Tell me in detail? What were you before?"

《Haa... It's not important, but I was a world traveller.》

"...So, like an Otherworlder?"

《Kind of, except that I wasn't a human. I was... something else.》

"Okay, so... You don't know?"

《No, I know, but I can't speak the name in a way that a human brain would comprehend.》

"...Right."

《Anyway, one day I travelled to this world and caused some chaos, as I usually did. Regrettably, I underestimated this world's Gods; they suppressed my powers and threw me in the Gods' equivalent of prison.》

"Uh-huh..."

《You remember our first conversation, right? The stuff about all the crimes I said they convicted me of.》

"Somewhat... You were really that bad?"

《Mmm, well, because of that, they gave me the title of 'God of Sin', but that was a huge mistake.》

"It was?"

《Yeah. Because it unlocked a portion of my powers.》

"...Why the hell did they do that? Aren't those Gods all idiots?"

To Jae, it sounded plain stupid, but Reius simply laughed.

《Ahahaha! It may sound dumb, but there was no other way for them. They had no choice but to give me a god-tier title of some kind to anchor me to this world, or else I would've been able to just escape to another one, so they gave me the worst and lowest-ranked title they possibly could. Still, it gave me some freedom for a while.》

"But now you're the Sinful God, right? So, what happened there?"

《Oh, that's a different story. Essentially, they got the idea to have a God who watches over all those with a [Criminal] Status, to reform their souls when they die.》

There's a [Criminal] status condition...?

《It's soul-based and designated by the Gods, so it can't be seen or detected on a normal Status. Anyway, they wanted that guy to be the God of Sin instead, so they created this artificial 'Sinful God' title, which has almost completely suppressed my power once again. I had already begun preparations before that though.》

"Preparations?"

《To get revenge.》

“...”

《And... This might be a little risky, but... Let me tell you something.》

“...What?”, Jae asked with narrowed eyes.

“It’s not risky for me, is it? In that case--”

《No no! It’s risky for me a bit, is all. Since my powers were suppressed, it’s become harder to detect the presence of divine beings, so I was a little concerned they may be listening... It’s nothing that would be harmful to you, of course; I would never want that for my only “apostle”.》

He seemed really adamant about it. Jae paused to think for a moment before sighing.

“Fine, just say what you want to say.”

Reius smiled. His next words immediately caught Jae’s attention.

《Glad to have your trust. Then, I was going to say that there is a secret to the Sin Series that will vastly increase your power.》

“...There is?”

Why do you...

《I’m the creator of the Sin Series, so of course I know. And I don’t have a reason to lie to you, especially about something like this.》

“What is it?”

《When you acquire all seven Sin Series skills at [MAX] level―when these conditions are fulfilled, you will gain indomitable might and authority.》

Jae gulped at the phrase ‘indomitable might and authority’, but he was still sceptical about it.

“And so... Does that mean I’ll succumb to the mental influence of the sins?”

It was a reasonable assumption to make, as no matter how strong of a Trait「Steadfast Mind」grows to be, it will never be enough by itself to completely repress the side-effects of the Sin skills, and especially all seven at the same time if they all become enhanced.

《Oh, of course, that will be something for you to overcome. It’s inevitable and even I can’t change that. However, I truly believe you can get past that issue, no problem.》

But Reius’ words were strangely honest. For some reason, he was being sincere and straightforward. Jae didn’t know how to respond to this kind of unexpected candidness.

《...Anyway, is there anything else you want to know? I can answer one last thing.》

Jae considered the question he should ask.

He’s the creator of the Sin skills, so I should ask for advice about those, right? I don’t remember there being anything major that I need to know about, at least...

“In your opinion, what Dungeon should I go for next?”

《It depends on your current goal, but for your current situation... I’d say go south, for the Wrath Dungeon.》

“To the Southern Continent?”

《Yes. Well, it’s your decision, but the south’s inhabitants won’t yet know about the whole Dragon thing, as it’s pretty much isolated from this Northern Continent, and they won't care about your bounty either. Well, I don't think anyone will anymore, but... Anyway, you have something to do before that, right?》

“I do...? Oh yeah, I have to drop Rena off back home first!”, Jae belatedly realised.

《Don’t worry too much about it. There is a great river originating from the mountain range you are on that flows south. Follow it until you reach Asphal, and you will reach Onyxia before you know it.》

Jae was relieved to know that all he needed to do was follow a river, but he was still a bit reluctant to blindly follow Reius’ instructions.

“...Okay. Fine.”

《To get there faster, you can use Greed to imitate a wyvern as well, you know? That was what I meant before when I mentioned that it would be easier to return with Greed. If you turn into a high-level Cloud Wyvern and use magic to enhance your speed, then you should be as fast as a plane from your home planet. From what I can gather from your memories, at least. Well, there are also other ways to use Greed for transportation, but you should know that already.》

Every time he thought about Greed or the possible imitations, Jae felt stupid, so he tried to stop thinking about it and just gave gratitude to Reius instead for the advice.

“...Thanks.”

《It's nothing. Oh, and, one last thing.》

“What?”

《I wouldn’t recommend staying at the Demon Queen’s castle for more than a week. No, even a week would be pushing it. Leave in under four days.》

“Huh? Why? Is something gonna happen there?”

《Jae, I am classed as a God, and therefore semi-omniscient. This also means I can predict things to a reasonable degree. Although my powers have been suppressed, I can still somewhat do this thanks to the word ‘god’ in my title. You will be in grave danger if you stay there for too long. That's why, I’d say you have about four days, maximum.》

This was rather sudden news. Jae slowly became anxious.

“Wait, what? Is it because of the angel?”

《Eh, yes, but that isn’t the only thing. Anyway, this is another reason why you should go to the Wrath Dungeon first, and as soon as possible. It will increase your battle strength if you do, allowing you to defend yourself. There is also a possible threat of Virtue Apostles, but I don’t know about that yet...》

“...I get it. I’m still not strong enough. I’ll think about what Unique Skills to integrate into Greed and clear the Wrath Dungeon.”

《Good idea. Well then, I’ll see you next time.》

“Sure...”

And with that came the end of his meeting with the Sinful God.

As soon as he returned from the void, Jae immediately noticed that his pain was gone. Finally, after an entire month of suffering, the Heavy Strain was no more.

“Phew... Anyway, let’s not waste any more time.”

Jae waited for the kids to wake up, who were astonished upon seeing him abruptly move about without an issue. It was as if his ‘illness’ had been a lie.

“Rena, Bailey. We’re heading back to the castle.”, he told them as they ate breakfast.

“Are you really okay?”, Bailey asked in concern. Jae stroked his head.

“Of course, who do you think I am. That was nothing.”

“I knew it’d be okay! Daddy’s strong!”

Jae could only smile wryly at Rena’s statement. They walked outside, and Jae used Greed.

「Greed」has activated Option 1 -「Perfect Imitation [Upgraded]」has activated Imitation target confirmed Imitating target「Cloud Wyvern」 Time Remaining - 1h : 00m : 00s

He transformed into a medium-sized, milky white wyvern, and it took a lot shorter time than when he used the skill previously. There was also no Heavy Strain because the status of the wyvern wasn’t much larger than his own.

Once the imitation had finished, Jae used his old magic-based telepathy to communicate with Rena and Bailey, who were both marvelled.

[Hop on.]

“...Are you really human, Master?”

“Waah! Daddy is so pretty!”

[You two...]

Eventually, the two kids jumped on Jae’s broadened, scaly back. After making sure they wouldn’t fall off mid-flight by using magic to shield against air currents, he took off into the sky.

As they were above an enormously tall mountain range, the air was thin, meaning the ratio of mana in the air was significantly higher than at sea level. Despite the thinness of the air, however, it wasn’t too difficult to breathe for the kids, whose Status’ were reasonably high.

“Woooww! Bailey, look! Everything is so small...!”

“....Mn.”, he ever-so-slightly nodded.

The magnificence of the faraway ground was reflected in the shimmering eyes of the two kids, mesmerised by the spectacular view, as well as the nigh-endless river that flowed as far as the eye could see. It was still dawn, and the morning sun rose just beyond the horizon, painting half of the gloomy sky in its amber glow.

As he flapped his draconic wings and soared through the air like a jet, Jae’s transformed body moved swiftly and smoothly through the atmosphere. Thanks to being a Cloud Wyvern, not only does he fly faster, but also gracefully and fluidly while high up.

In a clean and streamlined glide, he followed the crystal-clear river that ran across almost the entire continent from the northern mountain range to the south's ocean―the Vein of the Mountain God, as it was commonly called. Jae thought the world was so tranquil like this, and it was a relaxing change of pace.

Once fifty minutes had passed since his imitation, he had to land somewhere near the river for a quick rest before setting off again after another imitation was ready. Repeating this process, the group was able to reach Asphal’s capital city, Onyxia, by the end of the day―this was mostly due to how insanely fast Jae was able to fly as a Cloud Wyvern while being boosted with magic.

For the kids, however, they seemed to not care how long the trip took, as they merely enjoyed the fantastic method in which they travelled. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Of course, in order to not attract attention, Jae landed outside the city to wait for the transformation to finish before the three entered Onyxia. It was currently evening, so there wasn't anyone who spotted them. Then, they just went straight to the castle. Upon reaching the castle’s gates, the guards confirmed Jae’s identity and let him pass, and fortunately, it wasn’t too difficult because Rena was with him.

Bailey returned to his room, but Rena and Jae first had to inform Leila of their return.

“―Rena, my lovely daughter, how are you?”

“Mama!”, The young girl leapt with an effulgent smile into her mother’s bosom, causing her to smile affectionately in turn.

“How was the trip? Was it fun? You returned much sooner than I had expected, so I was rather surprised...”

“Yeah! Daddy turned into a reeeally big lizard with wings and lots and lots of magic! And today, he turned into a pretty lizard with wings but less magic!”

Rena happily went on to tell Leila about the events that occurred, after which she simply smiled and said, “Is that so?”, but if there was one thing, it was that the smile she gave was deeply unsettling. Leila faintly turned her head to Jae as she continued.

“In fact, I think I heard something about an unfathomably large, dragon-like monster that had strangely appeared right where you had gone, and just as you had gone there...”

To her knowing tone, Jae’s words drifted off as he replied, “Yes, well... There was an Imperial army that invaded the city, as well as the Summoned Hero causing trouble, so...”

“Indeed, I am aware of that, however, did you not think you went a bit too far? I genuinely did plan on an alliance with Seronia, you know? Though unfortunately, it appears that it has gone out the window.”

“...”

Recalling the time he had imitated Aphy, Jae spoke, staring Leila directly in the eyes.

“...I do not regret what I did.”

But then, when he recalled what happened to him after the imitation ended...

“―However, I will not be doing such a thing like that again. You have my word.”

As Leila gently stroked Rena’s head, who peacefully sat in her lap, she slowly closed her eyes and took a deep breath before speaking again.

“...Very well. If that is what you say, then I have nothing more to mention about it. I will decide to believe you.”

Silence then dominated the room for a while, but Jae soon changed the subject as Rena’s gaze repeatedly switched between her mother and “father”.

“Anyway, I’ll be leaving again within the next couple of days.”

“Daddy’s leaving?”

“For a while, yes.”

“Then I’m coming too--”

“No. This time, I have to go alone. Well, I might bring Bailey, but Rena, you have to stay here.”

“Whaaat? But if Bailey’s going then it’s not faaair--”

Suddenly, Leila intervened.

“Rena, listen to your father.”

"......?"

Shocked by the statement, even Jae flinched as he glanced at Leila. She ignored his strange look, however, and only continued to persuade Rena to stay.

"I'm going with Daddy.", she pouted.

“When are you going to spend more time with your mother? I’ve been lonely with you gone all this time, and now you say you are leaving again?”

“Hmmmm... Then you can come too!”

“Rena, that’s impossible. I have to stay here and take care of this city and the rest of our country. It’s not good to keep leaving home all the time, too. Jiera and Jiyeru also haven’t been able to see you.”

“Mmm..."

"Rena."

"...Fine. I'll stay..."

“Good girl. Then, may I ask where you, the father, are going this time?”

Jae admired how used Leila seemed to be, handling her daughter. He replied truthfully to her question.

“The Southern Continent.”

“I see. In that case, we probably won’t be seeing you for a while.”

“Probably. I’ll return as soon as I can though.”

“When will you be leaving?”

Well, I don’t want to run into the angel, so hopefully soon.

Following a pause, Jae replied, “Maybe... Tomorrow.”

After the talk with Leila, Jae was going to ask Bailey if he wanted to come along, but he crossed paths with someone familiar before that.

“Wh-what are you doing here?”, she asked, staggered.

It was Rena’s older half-sister, Jiera. She spoke with narrowed eyes and a hostile tone, but it was clearly at a reduced level compared to the first time they met; most likely because she found out that he was the man Rena called her father.

“...I heard you weren’t going to return for a year.”

“We returned today. I’m going out again tomorrow, so look forward to it. This time, the destination is quite far, and I’m not using Transportation Magic, so it may very well be over a year until I return.”

“What...?”, Jiera widened her eyes.

Jae only spoke matter-of-factly, and Jiera didn’t know what to respond with as it was too unexpected.

“I don’t know why, but you obviously hate me, so all I’m saying is that you don’t have to worry because I’ll be gone soon.”

“...” She stood there dumbfounded when Jae continued on his way.

Upon reaching and entering Bailey’s room, he asked if Bailey wanted to join him on his trip to the Wrath Dungeon in the Southern Continent, to which he vehemently agreed.

“―Please take me with you! I want to grow and get stronger too. I can’t do that if I just stay here.”

“Are you sure? It’ll probably be a lot more perilous than Seronia, and Rena isn’t coming this time.”

“It’s fine because you’re there, and the high level of danger only means I’ll be able to grow even more from it!”

...How admirable. I’m sure he’ll develop well.

Jae smiled, laughed, and roughly stroked Bailey’s hair, “Haha, you just want to show off to Rena, huh? Alright then, I thought you’d say that anyway.”

At his words, Bailey’s face flushed red.

“What?! No, you’re wrong!”

“Sure, sure. Get some good sleep tonight, we leave in the morning.”

“...Uhhh... Fine...”

“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Once that was over, Jae went to his own room. There, he closed the door after entering and―

“―Hey~”

“!?”

He instinctively jumped back at the unanticipated voice of Nazar, who had appeared out of nowhere. Realising that he wasn’t in danger, Jae calmed down and asked in irritation.

“...What the hell are you doing?”

“Ahaha, did I make you jump? Sorry, but I overheard something and wanted to ask you directly; are you going to the Southern Continent?”

“......I am. Why?”

“Hm? Why? You know. It’s my home. I can show you around the place and help you with whatever. You won’t need to worry about any monsters or anything as long as I’m there, too. So, how about it?”

It was a surprise offer. Jae was incredibly tempted, as he thought this was as close as one could get to a free pass to do whatever he wanted in the Southern Continent―because of how insanely powerful he reasoned Nazar to be. The more he thought about it, the more irresistible it seemed.

[......This guy again... Jae, don’t follow him.]

Ignoring what Wrath said, there was only one issue he was concerned about.

“You would? Aren’t you busy here with stuff?”

“Oh, that Land of Beasts thing? Well, it’s interesting, sure, but I live for just three things, you see.”

Nazar told Jae in a serious voice.

“Firstly, is the responsibility I have for my deceased kin.”

“Deceased...?”

“Ever since the ‘Forsaken Devil’s Rampage’ that occurred just over a millennia ago, I am the last survivor of my kind, the ‘Aram’ tribe. For them, I must live on.”

“...”

......Wow...

Jae didn’t know what to say, but Nazar continued as if it was nothing.

“Secondly, I live to defy the Gods.”

It was something Jae thought of as unusual. Why does Nazar defy the Gods? Fortunately, he answered this question after seeing the confused and curious expression on Jae’s face.

“It’s because the Gods never intervened when my people were slaughtered one after the other by the ‘Forsaken Devil’.”

[This lying bastard...]

Shut up for a moment.

[How dare you!? Jae...! Tch! Fuck! He never listens!]

“They watched hundreds of my friends and family perish, only ever observing but never giving support.”

“...”

Seering how his words caused an awkward atmosphere, Nazar admitted his final 'reason for living'.

“...Anyway, the third reason is simple fun.”

“Fun?”

Nazar nodded.

“Yep. Living such a long life can get real dull and boring sometimes, so I generally just do what I think will be entertaining. Jae, you're fun, which is why I’m offering to show you around the south.”

Eventually, Jae gladly accepted Nazar’s offer to escort him and Bailey around the Southern continent. After he left, Jae laid down in bed and thought to himself. He was still shocked at the deep meanings behind Nazar’s reasons to live, and it made him contemplate his own reasons.

The reasons I have for living, what are they...? Family, sure, but is there anything else...?

“...”

If he was honest, Jae couldn’t think of anything more than simply ‘family’, but he only had more questions popping into his mind.

What is my goal...?

“...”

There was nothing that came to mind when he asked himself that, either. He asked himself again.

Is there something I am aiming towards...? An objective...?

“...”

Still, there was nothing. He continued to ask.

What have I been doing until now...?

”...”

Is what I have been doing what I want to do...?

“...”

Is it my objective...?

“...”

―No matter how much Jae asked himself, contemplated about, or reflected on himself, his mind remained totally blank.

...Once upon a time... Didn’t I have something I wanted to do...?

“...”

Ultimately, the questions slowed down as he came to a frightening realisation.

.........There’s... nothing...?

“...”

......At this point...

“...”

―The image of his System-classified race very briefly flashed through his mind, bringing a whole new meaning to the word ‘undead’.

...Am I even living...?

“...”

On this restless, everlasting night, Jae didn’t get much sleep at all.